According to new data, there has been a five-fold increase in trans identity rates in the UK since 2000. These figures are based on an analysis recently published by BMJ Medicine which looked at nearly 20 years’ worth of anonymised general practice records.
How was the research conducted?
Researchers analysed anonymised GP medical records from 649 general practices across the UK from the start of 2000 to the end of 2018. They tracked the changes over time in the proportion of transgender people aged 10-99 and included more than 7 million people in the study.
What does the research tell us?
The research showed a five-fold increase in trans identity rates between 2000 and 2018. Roughly 1 in every 70,000 people was newly identified as transgender in 2000. By 2018, this had risen to around 1 in every 13,000 people.
Why has there been such a marked increase?
There are a variety of reasons why the number of people identifying as trans has increased. “Increasing rates of transgender codes in records may represent increasing numbers of people presenting to primary care with gender related concerns. Reasons for such may include increased availability of information, support and resources and increased societal awareness and acceptance, all of which have partially destigmatised transgender identities and may make coming out as transgender easier for individuals,” explain the researchers.
Why is this research so important?
According to the BMJ, researchers say “A solid grasp of the numbers and ages of those identifying as transgender is essential for appropriate service design, resource allocation, and staff training.”
The team here at Waterside Clinic agree. We believe studies like this are key to gaining a fuller understanding of the needs of trans people and we hope the data can be used to help to shape a better, fairer, more inclusive future for all.